•National team head coach Benjamin Musa said they wouldn’t mind including pro boxers in the national team for future tournaments as long as KPBC agrees to it.
•The Kenyan contingent shall take a stab at the remaining slots in the two repechages after failing to punch direct tickets during the Africa Olympic qualifiers held in Dakar, Senegal last September.
Image: FILE
The Boxing Federation of Kenya is ready to include professional boxers in the national team for future tournaments if they reach an agreement with the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission.
National team head coach Benjamin Musa said they wouldn’t mind including pro boxers in the national team for future tournaments as long as KPBC agrees to it.
“We wouldn’t mind having some professional boxers in the national team but the problem is that we have previously had some run-ins with the KPBC whenever they have attempted to rope in some of their boxers.
“I remember an incident that involved Rayton Okwiri during the 2020 Africa Olympic qualifiers in Senegal. The boxer expressed interest in representing the country at the Games and we willingly absorbed him into the squad.
“However, our decision rubbed KPBC the wrong way and we have been a little bit cautious ever since,” he added.
"Still, we wouldn’t mind including their members in the national team if they have what it takes to succeed. After all, they are also Kenyans.'
He noted: “However, we must sit down and streamline the activities of the amateur and professional local governing bodies to avert any form of disagreement."
Meanwhile, the national boxing team, Hit Squad is set to embark on preparations ahead of the two Olympic Games repechages in Italy and Thailand
Musa, who also serves as the national treasurer of the Boxing Federation of Kenya, said the local governing body has scheduled a meeting this week to convene and complete the selection process.
“We shall be meeting to select a provisional squad in readiness for upcoming qualifiers,” Musa remarked.
“We have the first repechage in Italy in March before the second and final one in Thailand in May. We are looking forward to a good performance in both instances,” he added.
The Kenyan contingent shall take a stab at the remaining slots in the two repechages after failing to punch direct tickets during the Africa Olympic qualifiers held in Dakar, Senegal last September.
“We are heading into the championships with invaluable lessons we acquired in Dakar that might be useful in securing us the coveted slots both in Italy and Thailand,” Musa stated.
Despite the national team coaches scouting the country to rummage for talent during the five editions of the KBF national league, Musa disclosed that he is highly unlikely to tinker with the national team.
“The team largely remains unchanged from the one that flew our country’s flag in Senegal but we scouted some good boxers capable of giving the current Hit Squad members a challenge in the selection process,” he added.
There is also a high chance that the team will proceed to the qualifiers without testing their mettle in any buildup tournaments.
“We had hoped to participate in the Mandela Cup in South Africa as well as the East African Community boxing championships before the qualifiers but the organizers are yet to confirm the dates.”